AllAfrica News: Somalia

Al-Shabaab Militants Recapture Somali Town Vacated By Ethiopian Forces, Puntland Urges United Response

[Addis Standard] Addis Abeba -- Al-Shabaab militants have captured the strategic central Somali town of Mahaas district, in Hiiran region of Somalia's Hirshabelle State, following heavy clashes with Somali government forces and allied local militias on Sunday. The takeover comes a year after Ethiopian troops stationed in the area withdrew and handed over their base to Somali forces as part of the third phase of the African Union's ATMIS drawdown.

All of Africa Today - July 28, 2025

[allAfrica]

Somalis Push Back Against The Economist's Grim Take On Mogadishu

[Radio Dalsan] The Economist's July 24, 2025, article--painting Somalia's state-building as faltering and warning Mogadishu could fall to al-Shabab--has sparked a firestorm online. On X, Somalis are calling it alarmist, biased, and disconnected from reality.

Somali Police Accused of Political Bias, Fueling Public Discontent

[Shabelle] Mogadishu -- Somalia's police force faces mounting accusations of deep political entanglement, raising concerns over its impartiality and effectiveness amid growing public frustration.

Disunity in Somalia Is Al-Shabaab's Greatest Weapon

[ISS] Cyclical rivalries between the federal government, states and the political opposition have undermined the counter-terrorism strategy's early success.

China Issues Stern Warning to Somaliland Over Taiwan Maritime Cooperation Deal

[Shabelle] Mogadishu, July 28 -- China has issued a strong warning to the self-declared Republic of Somaliland following a recent maritime cooperation agreement signed with Taiwan, a move Beijing denounced as a violation of its sovereignty and the "One China" principle.

Somali Forces Kill Senior Al-Shabaab Commander, Repel Attack - Defense Ministry

[Shabelle] Mogadishu, July 28 -- Somali elite Danab forces conducted a targeted operation in the Durduro area of Baay region, killing a senior Al-Shabaab commander responsible for planting roadside bombs, officials said Monday.

President Hassan Sheikh Attends AU Peace and Security Summit in Ethiopia

[Radio Dalsan] - Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, where he is attending a high-level summit of the African Union's Peace and Security Council (PSC), a key body tasked with addressing conflicts across the continent.

President of Somalia Arrives in Addis Ababa for UN Global Food Security Summit

[Radio Dalsan] Mogadishu - The President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, H.E. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, has arrived in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to participate in the United Nations Global Food Security Summit, which brings together global and regional leaders to address the pressing issue of food security.

AU Welcomes France's Recognition of State of Palestine

[Shabelle] The African Union (AU) on Saturday welcomed France's announcement to officially recognize the State of Palestine, describing it as a "significant step" that aligns with the AU's longstanding position.

Al-Shabaab Reinforces Positions Between Balcad and Jowhar Amid Military Tensions

[Shabelle] Balcad, Somalia -- Reports from central Somalia indicate that a large number of Al-Shabaab militants have been deployed along the key road connecting Balcad and Jowhar, raising fears of escalating conflict in the region.

Al-Shabaab Seizes Control of Mahas Town in Central Somalia

[Shabelle] Mahas, Somalia -- Al-Shabaab militants have taken control of Mahas, a key town in the central Hiraan region of Somalia, after government forces reportedly withdrew without resistance, local sources said on Sunday.

Minister of Interior Holds Consultative Meeting With Traditional Elders From SSC Region On Statehood and Unity

[Radio Dalsan] The Minister of Interior, Federal Affairs and Reconciliation of the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS), MP Ali Yusuf Ali Hosh, held a high-level consultative meeting today with traditional elders and intellectuals from one of the Somali clans based in the Sool, Sanaag, and Cayn (SSC) regions.

Heavy Fighting Erupts in Southern Somalia After Al-Shabaab Attack

[Shabelle] Sabiid & Caanoole, Somalia -- Fierce fighting broke out early Friday in the Sabiid and Caanoole area of southern Somalia's Lower Shabelle region after Al-Shabaab militants launched a coordinated assault on military positions held by Somali government forces and Ugandan troops serving under the African Union Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).

Puntland Refuses Somalia and Turkey's Demands to Release Weaponry On Ship

[Shabelle] The standoff continues between the government of the semi-autonomous region of Puntland and the federal government of Somalia over a cargo ship loaded with Turkish weaponry that is being detained.